Now 25 years into his legendary career, 50 Cent continues to push hip-hop into uncharted territory. Freshly unveiled on October 15th, the Queens, NY icon’s 505 Edition Branson Cognac, an exclusive collaboration between 50s Sire Spirits and ultra-luxury crystal company Lalique, discussed his unprecedented output of TV shows and movies, new music, empowering underserved youth through entrepreneurial programs, and more in a new interview with XXL.
“I currently have 40 shows on 12 different networks, 10 of which are coming soon,” 50 Cent explains in the video below, before taking a closer look at G-Unit Film & Television’s latest offering.
“I’ve done two movies this year. I produced Dark Moses. I played the Balrog in Street Fighter. I have a British TV show called Fightland that’s coming to Starz. That’s currently filming. On Fox Nation, I’m currently playing 50 Ways to Catch a Killer. In November, I started the origin story of Thrones in New York, [Power Book IV] Force will return to air on November 7th. I also have a show called “Hip-Hop Cop” that’s going to be on Hulu.
While 50 Cent has certainly found the formula he needs to become an entertainment brand beyond hip-hop, he’s enjoyed opening doors for rappers like Skilla Baby, Wiz Khalifa and Cam’ron to expand their careers into the world of film and television.
“I definitely have a responsibility to bring artists into the culture who already have huge followings and have grown themselves,” 50 told XXL. “Like, Cam for Paid in Full, it wouldn’t be possible without Cam[‘ron]. That’s Harlem. When I worked with Wiz [Khalifa] and Skilla Baby, these guys have been taking acting classes and getting ready for another level in their careers. Beyond that, I’m obviously going to be the gateway to creating things that couldn’t be created in the past. “
That night, 50 Cent dressed up for the launch of 505 Edition Branson Cognac at the pristine Lalique Maison d’Artiste penthouse in Manhattan, got candid about the creative process behind working with Lalique’s world-renowned glassmaker, tapped into New York nursery rhymes Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow, who appear on the theme song for 50’s upcoming “Fightland” series, and more.
Check out 50 Cent’s exclusive interview with XXL below.
